Passive wellbore operations fluid cooling system

ABSTRACT

A passive cooling system for wellbore operations fluids includes a wellbore operations fluid reservoir including an inlet, an outlet, and a fluid containment area. At least one heat pipe is arranged in the wellbore operations fluid reservoir. The at least one heat pipe includes a first end arranged in the fluid containment area, a second end that extends outwardly of the fluid containment area, and a hollow interior containing a working fluid.

BACKGROUND

In the resource recovery industry, fluid is used to accomplish a variety of outcomes such as carrying cuttings out of a borehole while drilling. Generally, these fluids can be considered to be “wellbore operations fluids”. Wellbore operations fluids are circulated from a wellbore surface into the wellbore and, in one particular operation such as drilling, wellbore operations fluid with entrained cuttings is circulated back uphole filtered and reused. Wellbore operations fluids are designed to be used in a specific operating temperature range. When temperatures rise, wellbore operations fluid can break down and performance can be negatively impacted. In some cases, refrigeration units are used in order to enhance the performance of wellbore operations fluids above certain temperatures.

Refrigeration systems are typically large, cumbersome units that must be transported to a rig site, set up, maintained, and provided with power. Setting up and operating a refrigeration system represents a significant investment in time and resources. In addition to setting up the refrigeration system, there must be an adequate source of power available to support operation. As such, the industry would welcome a system for cooling wellbore operations fluids that can be easily set up and require little if any external power.

SUMMARY

Disclosed, in accordance with a non-limiting example, is a passive cooling system for wellbore operations fluids including a wellbore operations fluid reservoir including an inlet, an outlet, and a fluid containment area. At least one heat pipe is arranged in the wellbore operations fluid reservoir. The at least one heat pipe includes a first end arranged in the fluid containment area, a second end that extends outwardly of the fluid containment area, and a hollow interior containing a working fluid.

Also disclosed, in accordance with a non-limiting example, is a resource exploration and recovery system including a subsurface system having one or more tubulars extending into a formation and a surface system including a source of wellbore operations fluid connected to the one or more tubulars and a passive wellbore operations fluid cooling system fluidically connected to the one or more tubulars. The passive wellbore operations fluid cooling system fluids including a wellbore operations fluid reservoir including an inlet, an outlet, and a fluid containment area. At least one heat pipe is arranged in the wellbore operations fluid reservoir. The at least one heat pipe includes a first end arranged in the fluid containment area, a second end that extends outwardly of the fluid containment area, and a hollow interior containing a working fluid.

Further disclosed, in accordance with a non-limiting example, is a method of cooling wellbore operations fluid including introducing wellbore operations fluid from a downhole tubular into a wellbore operations fluid reservoir, transferring heat from the wellbore operations fluid into a working fluid contained in first end of a heat pipe, guiding the working fluid to a second end of the heat pipe, exposing the second end of the heat pipe to ambient, condensing the working fluid at the second end of the heat pipe, and returning the working fluid to the first end of the heat pipe.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following descriptions should not be considered limiting in any way. With reference to the accompanying drawings, like elements are numbered alike:

FIG. 1 depicts a resource exploration and recovery system including a passive wellbore operations fluids cooling system, in accordance with a non-limiting example;

FIG. 2 depicts a partially cut-away view of the passive wellbore operations fluids cooling system of FIG. 1 , in accordance with a non-limiting example;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a heat pipe of the passive wellbore operations fluids cooling system, in accordance with a non-limiting example; and

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a power distribution system, in accordance with a non-limiting example.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A detailed description of one or more embodiments of the disclosed apparatus and method are presented herein by way of exemplification and not limitation with reference to the Figures.

A resource exploration and recovery system, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment, is indicated generally at 10, in FIG. 1 . Resource exploration and recovery system 10 should be understood to support well drilling operations, completions, resource extraction and recovery, CO₂ sequestration, and/or the like. Resource exploration and recovery system 10 may include a first system 14 which, in some environments, may take the form of a surface system 16 operatively and fluidically connected to a second system 18 which, in some environments, may take the form of a subsurface or downhole system (not separately labeled).

First system 14 may include a control system 23 that may provide power to, monitor, communicate with, and/or activate one or more downhole operations as will be discussed herein. Surface system 16 may include additional systems such as pumps, cranes, and the like (not shown). First system 14 may also include a wellbore operations fluid storage system 26 fluidically connected to second system 16 and, as will be detailed more fully herein, a wellbore operations fluid cooling system 30. Wellbore operations fluid storage system 26 may serve as a source of wellbore operations fluid for resource exploration and recovery system 10.

Second system 18 may include a casing tubular 33 that extends into a wellbore 34 formed in a formation 36. In a non-limiting example, wellbore operations of storage system 26 may be connected to second system 18 through a fluid delivery conduit 40. Wellbore operations fluid cooling system 30 may be fluidically connected to second system 18 through a first return conduit 42. Wellbore operations fluid cooling system 30 may, in turn, be fluidically connected to wellbore operations fluid storage system 26 through a second return conduit 44. As will be detailed herein, wellbore operations fluid cooling system 30 passively cools wellbore operations fluid that was circulated into wellbore 34. At depth, a temperature of the wellbore operations fluid may rise above desired levels due to geothermic heating effects.

In a non-limiting example depicted in FIG. 2 , wellbore operations fluid cooling system 30 includes a wellbore operations fluid reservoir 54 which may take the form of an open top container 58. Container 58 includes a first wall 60, a second wall 61, a third wall 62, and a fourth wall 63 which, together with a base wall 65 forms a fluid containment area 68. Wellbore operations fluid reservoir 54 includes an inlet 70 coupled to first return conduit 42 and an outlet 72 that is coupled to second return conduit 44. With this arrangement, wellbore operations fluid passing from wellbore 34 may be conditioned before being passed back to wellbore operations fluid storage system 28 and recirculated through second system 18. At this point it should be understood that while described as an open top container 58, wellbore operations fluid reservoir 54 may include a top wall.

In a non-limiting example, a plurality of heat pipes 78 are disposed in wellbore operations fluid reservoir 54. Reference will now follow to FIG. 3 in describing a heat pipe 84 with an understanding that each of the plurality of heat pipes 78 includes similar structure. Heat pipe 84 includes a first end 86, a second end 88, and an intermediate portion 90. Intermediate portion 90 extends between first end 86 and second end 88 and includes a wicking material 91. Wicking material 91 may take on a variety of forms including a surface treatment of intermediate portion 90, a separate layer disposed on intermediate portion 90 and the like. Heat pipe 84 includes an evaporator portion 93 that is configured to be arranged in a wellbore operations fluid 95 contained in wellbore operations fluid reservoir 54 and a condensing portion 98 that extends out from wellbore operations fluid reservoir 54 and is exposed to ambient.

In a non-limiting example, heat pipe 84 includes a hollow interior 104 in which is disposed a working fluid 106. When in liquid form, working fluid 106 gathers at second end 88. When heated, working fluid 106 may vaporize and flow toward first end 86. At first end 86, working fluid 106 cools and condenses back to a liquid or semi-liquid form and flows back to second end 88 via wicking material 91. In a non-limiting example, working fluid 106 may take on a variety of forms and may be selected based on a desired characteristic such as a boiling point at a particular pressure. That is, the working fluid may be selected based on a temperature differential between wellbore operations fluid 95 and ambient.

In a non-limiting example, in order to configure heat pipe 84 for a particular operating environment and allow for adaptation to different environmental factors, a valve 110 is arranged at first end 86. Valve 110 allows for an introduction of working fluid and may be employed connected to a pump (not shown) to change a pressure in hollow interior 104. That is, pressure in hollow interior 104 may be adjusted in order to affect the characteristic of the working fluid such as changing the boiling point. In a non-limiting example, a valve element 114 may be arranged at second end 88. Valve element 114 may be selectively opened to allow for removal and/or replacement of the working fluid.

In a non-limiting example shown in FIG. 4 , wellbore operations fluid cooling system 30 may include a blower 130 that delivers an airflow onto condensing portion 98 in order to lower localized temperatures of plurality of heat pipes 78. Blower 130 may be connected to a power distribution system 133 that receives power from a passive power source 136 such as solar panels 138. In addition to blower 130, a pump 142 may be connected to power distribution system 133. Pump 142 may be connected to valve 110 and activated to adjust a pressure within hollow interior 104. It should be understood that in lieu of a blower, natural convection may be used to lower localized temperatures of plurality of heat pipes 78 Further, a chimney or duct may be used to direct heat from the plurality of heat pipes 78 to ambient.

At this point, it should be understood that the non-limiting examples describe an entirely passive system for cooling wellbore operations fluid. The system can operate continuously without any need for external power. Further, the working fluid may be adjusted, and/or replaced in order to accommodate different environments. That is, as seasons change, it is possible to adjust the working fluid to accommodate different ambient temperatures without impacting the overall efficacy of the system.

Set forth below are some embodiments of the foregoing disclosure:

Embodiment 1. A passive cooling system for wellbore operations fluids comprising: a wellbore operations fluid reservoir including an inlet, an outlet, and a fluid containment area; and at least one heat pipe arranged in the wellbore operations fluid reservoir, the at least one heat pipe including a first end arranged in the fluid containment area, a second end that extends outwardly of the fluid containment area, and a hollow interior containing a working fluid.

Embodiment 2. The passive cooling system according to any prior embodiment, wherein the first end of the at least one heat pipe defines an evaporator end configured to be submerged in wellbore operations fluids and the second end of the at least one heat pipe defines a condenser end configured to be exposed to ambient.

Embodiment 3. The passive cooling system according to any prior embodiment, wherein the at least one heat pipe includes a valve arranged at the second end, the valve facilitating an introduction of working fluid into the hollow interior.

Embodiment 4. The passive cooling system according to any prior embodiment, further comprising: a pump connected to the valve, the pump establishing a selected pressure in the hollow interior.

Embodiment 5. The passive cooling system according to any prior embodiment, wherein the at least one heat pipe includes a valve element arranged at the first end, the valve element being configured to facilitate removal of the working fluid from the hollow interior.

Embodiment 6. The passive cooling system according to any prior embodiment, further comprising: a blower configured to direct an airflow onto the second end of the at least one heat pipe, the blower being connected to a passive energy source.

Embodiment 7. The passive cooling system according to any prior embodiment, wherein the at least one heat pipe includes a plurality of heat pipes arranged in the fluid containment area.

Embodiment 8. A resource exploration and recovery system comprising: a subsurface system including one or more tubulars extending into a formation; and a surface system including a source of wellbore operations fluid connected to the one or more tubulars and a passive wellbore operations fluid cooling system fluidically connected to the one or more tubulars, the passive wellbore operations fluid cooling system comprising: a wellbore operations fluid reservoir including an inlet, an outlet, and a fluid containment area; and at least one heat pipe arranged in the wellbore operations fluid reservoir, the at least one heat pipe including a first end arranged in the fluid containment area, a second end that extends outwardly of the fluid containment area, and a hollow interior containing a working fluid.

Embodiment 9. The passive wellbore operations fluid cooling system according to any prior embodiment, wherein the first end of the at least one heat pipe defines an evaporator end configured to be submerged in wellbore operations fluids and the second end of the at least one heat pipe defines a condenser end configured to be exposed to ambient.

Embodiment 10. The passive wellbore operations fluid cooling system according to any prior embodiment, wherein the at least one heat pipe includes a valve arranged at the second end, the valve facilitating an introduction of working fluid into the hollow interior.

Embodiment 11. The passive wellbore operations fluid cooling system according to any prior embodiment, further comprising: a pump connected to the valve, the pump establishing a selected pressure in the hollow interior.

Embodiment 12. The passive wellbore operations fluid cooling system according to any prior embodiment, wherein the at least one heat pipe includes a valve element arranged at the first end, the valve element being configured to facilitate removal of the working fluid from the hollow interior.

Embodiment 13. The passive wellbore operations fluid cooling system according to any prior embodiment, further comprising: a blower configured to direct an airflow onto the second end of the at least one heat pipe, the blower being connected to a passive energy source.

Embodiment 14. The passive wellbore operations fluid cooling system according to any prior embodiment, wherein the at least one heat pipe includes a plurality of heat pipes arranged in the fluid containment area.

Embodiment 15. A method of cooling wellbore operations fluid comprising: introducing wellbore operations fluid from a downhole tubular into a wellbore operations fluid reservoir; transferring heat from the wellbore operations fluid into a working fluid contained in first end of a heat pipe; guiding the working fluid to a second end of the heat pipe; exposing the second end of the heat pipe to ambient; condensing the working fluid at the second end of the heat pipe; and returning the working fluid to the first end of the heat pipe.

Embodiment 16. The method according to any prior embodiment, further comprising adjusting a characteristic of the working fluid based on a temperature differential between the wellbore operations fluid and ambient.

Embodiment 17. The method according to any prior embodiment, wherein adjusting the characteristic of the working fluid includes changing a boiling point of the working fluid.

Embodiment 18. The method according to any prior embodiment, wherein changing the boiling point of the working fluid includes changing a pressure in the heat pipe.

Embodiment 19. The method according to any prior embodiment, further comprising directing an airflow over the second end of the heat pipe.

Embodiment 20. The method according to any prior embodiment, wherein directing the airflow includes operating a blower connected to a passive energy source.

The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. Further, it should be noted that the terms “first,” “second,” and the like herein do not denote any order, quantity, or importance, but rather are used to distinguish one element from another. The modifier “about” used in connection with a quantity is inclusive of the stated value and has the meaning dictated by the context (e.g., it includes the degree of error associated with measurement of the particular quantity).

The terms “about” and “substantially” are intended to include the degree of error associated with measurement of the particular quantity based upon the equipment available at the time of filing the application. For example, “about” and/or “substantially” can include a range of ±8% or 5%, or 2% of a given value.

The teachings of the present disclosure may be used in a variety of well operations. These operations may involve using one or more treatment agents to treat a formation, the fluids resident in a formation, a wellbore, and/or equipment in the wellbore, such as production tubing. The treatment agents may be in the form of liquids, gases, solids, semi-solids, and mixtures thereof. Illustrative treatment agents include, but are not limited to, fracturing fluids, acids, steam, water, brine, anti-corrosion agents, cement, permeability modifiers, drilling muds, emulsifiers, demulsifiers, tracers, flow improvers etc. Illustrative well operations include, but are not limited to, hydraulic fracturing, stimulation, tracer injection, cleaning, acidizing, steam injection, water flooding, cementing, etc.

While the invention has been described with reference to an exemplary embodiment or embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the claims. Also, in the drawings and the description, there have been disclosed exemplary embodiments of the invention and, although specific terms may have been employed, they are unless otherwise stated used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation, the scope of the invention therefore not being so limited. 

1. A passive cooling system for wellbore operations fluids comprising: a wellbore operations fluid reservoir including an inlet, an outlet, and a fluid containment area; and at least one heat pipe arranged in the wellbore operations fluid reservoir, the at least one heat pipe including a first end arranged in the fluid containment area, a second end that extends outwardly of the fluid containment area, and a hollow interior containing a working fluid.
 2. The passive cooling system according to claim 1, wherein the first end of the at least one heat pipe defines an evaporator end configured to be submerged in wellbore operations fluids and the second end of the at least one heat pipe defines a condenser end configured to be exposed to ambient.
 3. The passive cooling system according to claim 1, wherein the at least one heat pipe includes a valve arranged at the second end, the valve facilitating an introduction of working fluid into the hollow interior.
 4. The passive cooling system according to claim 3, further comprising: a pump connected to the valve, the pump establishing a selected pressure in the hollow interior.
 5. The passive cooling system according to claim 1, wherein the at least one heat pipe includes a valve element arranged at the first end, the valve element being configured to facilitate removal of the working fluid from the hollow interior.
 6. The passive cooling system according to claim 1, further comprising: a blower configured to direct an airflow onto the second end of the at least one heat pipe, the blower being connected to a passive energy source.
 7. The passive cooling system according to claim 1, wherein the at least one heat pipe includes a plurality of heat pipes arranged in the fluid containment area.
 8. A resource exploration and recovery system comprising: a subsurface system including one or more tubulars extending into a formation; and a surface system including a source of wellbore operations fluid connected to the one or more tubulars and a passive wellbore operations fluid cooling system fluidically connected to the one or more tubulars, the passive wellbore operations fluid cooling system comprising: a wellbore operations fluid reservoir including an inlet, an outlet, and a fluid containment area; and at least one heat pipe arranged in the wellbore operations fluid reservoir, the at least one heat pipe including a first end arranged in the fluid containment area, a second end that extends outwardly of the fluid containment area, and a hollow interior containing a working fluid.
 9. The passive wellbore operations fluid cooling system according to claim 8, wherein the first end of the at least one heat pipe defines an evaporator end configured to be submerged in wellbore operations fluids and the second end of the at least one heat pipe defines a condenser end configured to be exposed to ambient.
 10. The passive wellbore operations fluid cooling system according to claim 8, wherein the at least one heat pipe includes a valve arranged at the second end, the valve facilitating an introduction of working fluid into the hollow interior.
 11. The passive wellbore operations fluid cooling system according to claim 10, further comprising: a pump connected to the valve, the pump establishing a selected pressure in the hollow interior.
 12. The passive wellbore operations fluid cooling system according to claim 8, wherein the at least one heat pipe includes a valve element arranged at the first end, the valve element being configured to facilitate removal of the working fluid from the hollow interior.
 13. The passive wellbore operations fluid cooling system according to claim 8, further comprising: a blower configured to direct an airflow onto the second end of the at least one heat pipe, the blower being connected to a passive energy source.
 14. The passive wellbore operations fluid cooling system according to claim 8, wherein the at least one heat pipe includes a plurality of heat pipes arranged in the fluid containment area.
 15. A method of cooling wellbore operations fluid comprising: introducing wellbore operations fluid from a downhole tubular into a wellbore operations fluid reservoir; transferring heat from the wellbore operations fluid into a working fluid contained in first end of a heat pipe; guiding the working fluid to a second end of the heat pipe; exposing the second end of the heat pipe to ambient; condensing the working fluid at the second end of the heat pipe; and returning the working fluid to the first end of the heat pipe.
 16. The method of claim 15, further comprising: adjusting a characteristic of the working fluid based on a temperature differential between the wellbore operations fluid and ambient.
 17. The method of claim 16, wherein adjusting the characteristic of the working fluid includes changing a boiling point of the working fluid.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein changing the boiling point of the working fluid includes changing a pressure in the heat pipe.
 19. The method of claim 15, further comprising: directing an airflow over the second end of the heat pipe.
 20. The method of claim 19, wherein directing the airflow includes operating a blower connected to a passive energy source. 